Richard Pamatatau

The amount of money sent by New Zealand's Pacific Islander population to family back home is likely to be down ten per cent over the last year. Audio

If you're looking for something different to give loved ones this Christmas, and you're not strapped for cash, the luxury end of the market is alive and well, even in these recessionary times. Audio

Delegates at a Pacific Island economic development conference in Manukau City have been told the National-led government wants to forge closer relationships with the community's many churches. Audio

The head of Fiji's Citizens' Constitutional Forum says there's too much focus on a date for elections and not enough being done to deal with the country's deep seated racial problems. Audio

Delegates at a political conference at Auckland University have been told laws to protect people from sexual offences in the Pacific Islands falls short of international best practice. Audio

The Pasefika North Shore Festival this weekend showcased the culture and sport of the city's small but growing Pacific population, dispelling the stereotype the city is home to only Pakeha. Audio

Healthy eating and exercise campaigns aimed at Pacific Islanders could be a waste of time and money according to one study. Audio

The head of Auckland University's School of Fine Arts says Pacific and Maori Artists wanting better prices for their art, have to choose very carefully where and how they exhibit their creations. Audio

Members of New Zealand's Tongan community say the country is ready to be run by an elected parliament and for the constitutional monarch to have less power. Audio

A prominent member of Auckland's Samoan community has warned that a four million dollar donation for tourism reconstruction in Samoa must not be wasted. Audio

New Zealand's acting deputy High Commissioner and the Australian High Commissioner have been given 24 hours to leave Fiji. Audio

The Samoan head of state says the recent tsunami in his country has forced people to rethink the traditions of expensive funerals and cultural giving or fa'alavelave. Audio

New research from the Auckland University of Technology reveals many youth gang members want to leave but it's easier said than done. Audio

The Labour Party says the views expressed by the head of parliament's foreign affairs select committee are ill-informed and patronising and damaging to New Zealand's relations with some Pacific Island… Audio

The chairman of the Tonga Advisory Council in New Zealand is urging people to reserve judgment until two reports into the sinking of the ferry Princess Ashika are complete. Audio

This morning our Pacific issues correspondent Richard Pamatatau looks at political awareness in the South Pacific nation - this is the last of our week long series on Fiji. Audio

Fiji's tourism market continues to suffer with many holidaymakers opting for destinations they see as safer or more ethically sound. Audio

Ordinary Fijians are bearing the brunt of the military government's economic management, as money diverted from social services are being spent on the army and promoting the country to tourists. Audio

As Fijians continue to be adversely affected by their troubled economy, many people struggling to make ends meet are calling on New Zealand to include them in the seasonal work scheme. Audio

The leader of Fiji's United People's Party says the interim prime minister will only hold elections when he is ready, no matter how much international pressure is applied. Audio